High-fidelity Simulation Method Research Articles

Evolution of underwater noise emission prediction technology for ship-propulsor combinations in an industry environment

ABSTRACT The prediction of underwater noise emissions by marine vessels has evolved significantly over the last decade as the interest shifted from exclusive military to civil use as a result of environmental concerns. Among different research groups, the best practices for the estimation with high-fidelity simulation methods based on hydrodynamic sound emissions are developed considering the complete vessel and propulsor. Here the current state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach, centered around propulsion units, is worked out in steps leading to the application for vessels. This consists of incompressible finite volume method flow simulations with large eddy turbulence modelling and volume-of-fluid phase capturing with a Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model in combination with an added permeable surface Ffowcs-Williams-Hawkings method for far-field acoustics. Many mechanistic arguments support it and the final validation cases lead to acceptable accuracy and enrich simulation data acquisition, however, few technical limitations reveal weaknesses compared to traditional approaches.

A new compact scheme-based Lax–Wendroff method for high fidelity simulations

The classical Lax–Wendroff (LW) method employs explicit second order central difference schemes to solve partial differential equations. Recently, the authors in Sengupta et al. (2023) have identified numerical parameter ranges in performing large eddy simulation (LES) using this classical LW method. In a bid to improve these numerical parameter ranges for high fidelity computations, a new non-uniform grid based compact scheme for LW method (NUCLW) is developed here. This new method uses sixth order non-uniform compact scheme (NUC6) for the first and higher order derivatives. Reported global spectral analysis confirms substantial improvement in the resolution and accuracy of NUCLW scheme over the classical LW scheme. A significant advantage of the present scheme is its ability to compute solutions for non-uniform, structured grids, and that does not suffer degradation in accuracy. The potential of the NUCLW scheme for high accuracy computations is demonstrated by solving 2D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations for the benchmark unsteady flow inside a square lid driven cavity problem for a subcritical Reynolds number of 3200 and a post-critical Reynolds number of 10,000 and simulating the instability of the Taylor–Green vortex problem. These demonstrate the ability of the NUCLW scheme to solve the Navier–Stokes equations for high fidelity simulations such as LES/DNS with enhanced ranges of numerical parameters with respect to enhanced accuracy and faster computations.

The effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation methods to gain Foley catheterization knowledge, skills, satisfaction and self-confidence among novice nursing students: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe use of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) methods provides probable benefits and advantages for nursing students to retain knowledge, acquire skills, improve satisfaction, and gain self-confidence in a safe, realistic and supportive environment. ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of HFS methods to develop Foley catheterization knowledge, skills, satisfaction and self-confidence among novice nursing students when compared to low-fidelity simulation (LFS). The specific aim was to examine the effects of outcome variables between the intervention group and the control group, through multi-group path analysis. DesignA randomized controlled trial was designed. Settings and participants80 nursing students were randomly assigned to the HFS group (high-fidelity manikin and scenario) and the LFS group (female catheterization simulator) at a nursing faculty between May and July 2019 in Türkiye. MethodsThe intervention group experienced HFS and the control group experienced LFS in order to learn Foley catheterization. Students' knowledge was evaluated before and after the intervention, while affective and psychomotor skills, and satisfaction and self-confidence in learning were evaluated after the intervention. ResultsThe HFS group had better skill performance and significantly higher self-confidence in learning than the LFS group. While each group had a high level of knowledge, affective skills and satisfaction, there was no significant difference between the groups' mean scores. ConclusionsThe HFS and scenario improved the knowledge, affective and psychomotor skills, satisfaction and self-confidence of novice nursing students on Foley catheterization. When compared to LFS, HFS had more advantages for the development of psychomotor skills and self-confidence in learning.

Towards optimized designs for control rod absorbers with a high-fidelity simulation method implemented in the RMC code

A high-fidelity simulation method of the control rod absorbers is implemented in the Monte Carlo code RMC. For rare-earth absorbers and B4C, detailed calculations and analyses are conducted for neutronics and depletion characteristics. Three kinds of optimized control rod absorbers are proposed with higher reactivity worth and favorable burnup stability. In these new designs, the composite absorbers possess higher reactivity worth and only average 20% loss of reactivity worth at the end of cycle (EOC). The enriched absorbers have better neutron absorbing capacity and more stable radiation resistance, and the loss of reactivity worth of enriched B4C reduces from 90% to only 7.42% at EOC. For mixed absorbers, the best properties are found for the Dy and B4C mixture when the proportion of Dy is about 60%. The coupling of ZrH2 and Hf achieves a better control efficiency, but unfortunately the loss of reactivity worth increases at EOC.

Student satisfaction and self confidence in learning scale (SSCL)—reliability and validity test of the Polish version

Determination of psychometric indices of the Polish language version of the Student Satisfaction and Self Confidence in Learning Scale (SSCL). The validity of the research conducted is significant, the scale of the SSCL will be the first tool in Poland, thanks to which the possibility will be created to monitor the didactic process in which the high-fidelity simulation method is used. Construct validity was tested using the following Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA fit index is 0.52) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA explains 48.3% of the variance). Cronbach’s alpha-coefficient was used to assess the internal consistency of the scale. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for the scale as a whole was 0.90, for the subscale “Satisfaction with current learning” was 0.87; for the subscale “Self-confidence in learning” was 0.84. As the study showed, the simulation of high-fidelity positively affects students’ satisfaction and increases their confidence levels.

The effect of high-fidelity simulation technology on the competency of nursing students in managing chemotherapy extravasation in patients with cancer.

Nursing education suffers from a lack of high-quality clinical experiences for students, especially among medical specialty groups such as cancer patients, in Saudi Arabia. A paucity of empirical evidence is supporting simulation in education and the transfer of psychomotor skills to patient care. In particular, although generally recognized as an essential oncology nursing skill, effective strategies for teaching the management of chemotherapy extravasation to students have not been investigated. To investigate the effects of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) technology on the competency of nursing students in the management of chemotherapy extravasation and the transfer of this skill from traditional learning labs to clinical settings. A quasi-experimental study comprising a two-group pretest-posttest with repeated measures was used. The intervention was a scenario-based, HFS. Third-year students (n=68) from a nursing program were randomly allocated to either intervention or control groups. Competency was measured in both groups using the same standardized assessment checklist. Competency scores were lower in the control group compared to the intervention group at both posttesting times. These results, however, were not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding skill transfer. Nursing faculty can use either HFS or traditional learning methods to effectively teach students how to manage chemotherapy extravasation and transfer this skill to clinical settings.

Global aero-structural design optimization of composite wings with active manoeuvre load alleviation

In the scope of the DLR project VicToria (Virtual Aircraft Technology Integration Platform), an integrated process for aero-structural wing optimization based on high fidelity simulation methods is continuously developed and applied. Based upon a parametric geometry, flight performance under transonic flight conditions and manoeuvre loads are computed by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. Structural mass and elastic characteristics of the wing are determined from structural sizing of the composite wing box for essential manoeuvre load cases using computational structural mechanics. Static aeroelastic effects are considered in all flight conditions and active manoeuvre load alleviation is integrated in the process. Global aero-structural wing optimizations are successfully performed for wings with and without active manoeuvre load alleviation. The active manoeuvre load alleviation is introduced with a simplified modelling of control surface deflections using a mesh deformation technique. The minimization of the fuel consumption for three typical flight missions represents the objective function. Wing optimizations are performed for variable and constant wing planform parameters as well as for wings with conventional composite wing box structure and for more flexible wings. The latter is accomplished by introducing modifications of the structural concept and the strain allowable. A significant mass reduction of the optimized wing box is obtained for wings with active manoeuvre load alleviation, resulting in a drop in fuel consumption of about 3%. For wing optimizations with the more flexible wing concept, the active manoeuvre load alleviation shows an additional reduction of the fuel consumption in the order of 2%. The wings with active manoeuvre load alleviation results in optimized wing geometries with increased aspect ratio and reduced taper ratio.

High-fidelity simulation for the education of nursing students: a scoping review of the literature.

High-fidelity simulation can be defined as a technique to refine specific human performance in a protected environment, and thanks to the innovation of technologies it has been possible to obtain increasingly realistic performances. The aim of this study is to map and describe the effects of training through a high-fidelity simulation method on the technical and non-technical skills of nursing students in an emergency setting. A scoping review was chosen as research methodology within some main databases of biomedical interest: MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Academic Search Index, Science Citation Index and ERIC. 530 articles were selected. Of these, 21 met the inclusion criteria and underwent the review process. Participants undergoing the intervention demonstrated better skills than the control group when subjected to a simulation based on realistic scenarios. The selected articles can be divided into two categories: those that focus essentially on non-technical skills and those that study only technical skills. Evidence suggests that HFS should include feedback, briefing and debriefing; it should be applied in every area of nursing education; student self-efficacy, confidence and competence are key principles to consider when measuring the effect of a simulation environment.

Internal Characterization of Magnetic Cores, Comparison to Finite Element Simulations: A Route for Dimensioning and Condition Monitoring

Magnetic cores are typically used in every stage of an electrical energy production and distribution chain. Local defects, including edge burrs and interlaminar faults, are detrimental for system performance and should be detected swiftly to ensure high reliability and durability. Real-time magnetic core condition monitoring is a promising solution for rapid fault detection. However, similar to dimensioning or performance evaluation, this monitoring has always been performed through averaged magnetic properties, which limits efficiency. In this domain, significant progress is forecasted by achieving precise local measurements. In this study, an innovative solution is proposed to measure local magnetic properties, which is adapted to real-time monitoring and magnetic circuit evaluation. The proposed sensor is a one-piece device that is flat enough to be placed noninvasively between the laminations at distinct positions in the magnetic core. It measures the magnetic excitation and induction fields in two dimensions, which can be used as local inputs for real-time condition monitoring. In this manuscript, the proposed sensor was first detailed, experimental results were provided, and finite-element simulations were performed. The sensor capability was validated both experimentally and through simulation. The results of this study contribute to the development of an intelligent magnetic core that includes an effective real-time monitoring system. The study provides a local validation of the most advanced high-fidelity simulation method, which could be used to predict the responses of magnetic cores and electromagnetic converters to defects of various natures, as well as geometrical and property changes.

Global Aerostructural Design Optimization of More Flexible Wings for Commercial Aircraft

In the German Aerospace Center’s Virtual Aircraft Technology Integration Platform project, a process for aerostructural wing optimization based on high-fidelity simulation methods is continuously developed. Based upon a parametric geometry, flight performance under transonic flight conditions and maneuver loads are computed by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. Structural mass and elastic characteristics of the wing are determined from structural sizing of the composite wing box for essential maneuver load cases using computational structural mechanics. Global aerostructural wing optimizations are performed for wings with a conventional composite wing-box structure and for more flexible wings. The minimization of the fuel consumption for three flight missions represents the objective function. The optimizations are performed for variable and constant wing planforms as well as with and without consideration of active maneuver load alleviation. A significant mass reduction of the wing box is obtained with the more flexible wing concept, resulting in a decrease in fuel consumption of about 3%. For the optimizations with active maneuver load alleviation, the more flexible wing concept shows an additional reduction of the fuel consumption on the order of 2%. The more flexible wing concept results in optimized wing geometries with increased aspect ratios and reduced taper ratios.

The lived experiences of intensive care nursing students exposed to a new model of high-fidelity simulation training: a phenomenological study

BackgroundIn postgraduate intensive care nursing courses, high-fidelity simulation is useful to prepare students to guarantee safe and quality care of critically ill patients. Surprisingly, this issue has not attracted sufficient attention in the literature, and it is not clear whether the linear application of the traditional high-fidelity simulation method based on prebriefing, the simulation session and debriefing, can serve as empirical reference in postgraduate students’ education. The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experiences of postgraduate students receiving multiple exposures to an innovative high-fidelity simulation design based on Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory.MethodsA phenomenological study was conducted at an Italian University involving a purposive sample of 15 nursing students attending the postgraduate intensive care course. Audio-recorded face-to-face in-depth interviews were held by a researcher in a dedicated room complemented with non-verbal communication outlined in the field notes. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data.ResultsThree themes and ten categories were derived from the data analysis. The themes included pragmatic learning experience, the emotional path, and confidence.ConclusionsMultiple exposure to high-fidelity simulation was lived as a pragmatic learning experience enhancing the students’ ability to apply theory into practice. This novel approach also contributed to the transition from negative to positive feelings and improved students’ confidence about technical and non-technical skills when caring for a critically ill patient.

A simple and scalable immersed boundary method for high-fidelity simulations of fixed and moving objects on a Cartesian mesh

A simple and scalable Immersed Boundary Method based on cubic spline reconstructions is presented for high-fidelity simulations of immersed objects in a turbulent flow on a Cartesian mesh. The novelty of the proposed IBM lies in its simplicity, accuracy, scalability and its ability to simulate both fixed and moving immersed objects. The new IBM is thoroughly validated against a 1D benchmark, with the 2D flow around a cylinder at Re=40 and 300 and the 3D flow around a sphere at Re=300 and Re=3700. Convergence studies and detailed error maps showing the spatial distribution of the velocity L2-Norm error compared to a spectral reference solution for the cylinders at Re=40 show the robustness of the proposed method. The cost and performance of the method are also presented for multi-billion mesh node simulations with up to 65,536 computational cores. The potential of the method in handling multiple moving objects for practical applications is demonstrated with the control of a square bluff body wake by two rear pitching flaps.

Implementation of a stable high-order overset grid method for high-fidelity simulations

The implementation of an overset grid method into a compressible in-house computational fluid dynamics solver is described. The framework employs a novel algorithm for the generation of the composite grid, i.e. to identify the discretisation, interpolation and non-physical points. This algorithm was designed to minimise and simplify the user input, while maintaining the flexibility to handle complex setups. An explicit fourth-order Lagrange interpolation scheme is used, so that the formal order of accuracy of the finite difference scheme used in the flow solver is matched. An instability linked to the possible presence of uncoupled numerical solutions on separate grids sharing the same physical location is discussed, and a modification of the composite grid generation algorithm that prevents this instability is introduced. The final overset grid method is validated with two test cases: the convection of an isentropic vortex and the Taylor-Green vortex.

Reduced order model of offshore wind turbine wake by proper orthogonal decomposition

A wide range of previously designed methods for faster parametrization of partial differential equations requires them to be solved using existing finite volume, finite element, and finite difference solvers. Due to the requirement of high degrees of freedom to accurately model the physical system, computational costs often becomes a bottle-neck. It poses challenges to conducting efficient repeated parametric sampling of the input parameter that disrupts the whole design process. Model reduction techniques adopted to high fidelity systems provide a basis to accurately represent a physical system with a lower degree of freedom. The present work focuses on one such method for high-fidelity simulations that combines finite volume strategy with proper orthogonal decomposition and Galerkin projection to test reduced-order models for high Reynolds number flow applications. The model is first benchmarked against flow around a cylinder for which extensive numerical and experimental data is available in the literature. The models are then tested to full-scale NREL 5MW offshore wind turbines to evaluate wake evolution in the downstream direction. The simulations results show relative errors of wind turbines for the first seventy modes approach 4.7% in L2-norm for velocities.

Costs and training results of an objectively validated cadaveric perfusion‐based internal carotid artery injury simulation during endoscopic skull base surgery

Internal carotid artery injury (ICAI) is a rare, life-threatening complication of endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs). High-fidelity simulation methods exist, but optimization of the training cohort, training paradigm, and costs of simulation training remain unknown. Using our previously validated, high-fidelity, perfused-cadaver model, participants attempted to manage a simulated ICAI. After a brief instructional video and coaching, the simulation was repeated. Training success was defined as successful ICAI control on the second attempt after failure on the initial attempt. Marginal costs were measured. Seventy-two surgeons participated in the standardized simulation, which lasted ≤15 minutes. The marginal cost of simulation was $275.00 per surgeon. A total of 44.4% (n = 32) succeeded on the first attempt before training (previously proficient); 44.4% (n = 32) failed the first attempt, but succeeded after training (training successes); and 11.1% (n = 8) failed both attempts. The cost per training success was $618.75. Forty-two surgeons had never treated an ICAI, with 24 becoming training successes (57.1% overall, 82.8% when excluding previously proficient surgeons). Twenty-nine had experienced a real or simulated ICAI, with 8 (27.6% overall, 72.7% excluding previously proficient surgeons) becoming training successes. The cost per training success was lowest in the ICAI-naive group ($481.25) and highest among surgeons with simulated and real ICAI experience ($1650). Surgeons can be trained to manage ICAI in a single, brief, low-cost session. Although all groups improved, training an ICAI-naive or resident cohort may maximize training results. A perfused-cadaver model is a reproducible, realistic, and low-cost method for training surgeons to manage life-threatening ICAI during an EEA.

The Effect of High Fidelity Simulation Training on Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills in Nursing Students in Turkey

Background: Nursing education is an education system that encompasses cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning fields. The main goal in this system is to graduate nurses who can integrate theory and application, who think critically in the learning process, and who have gained effective problem solving skills. For this reason, it is important to use novel approaches that improve occupational skill in nursing education. Objectives: The study was performed in order to determine the effect of the high-fidelity simulation method on the critical thinking and problem solving skills of nursing students. Methods: The study used a randomized, controlled, pre-test post-test experimental research model, and enrolled 60 students. Data was collected using a student identification form, an occupational skill application checklist, the California critical thinking inclination scale and the problem solving inventory. Mean values, standard deviations, the Student t-test, the paired sample t-test and the chi-squared test were used in data evaluation. Results: In comparisons within and among groups between the pre-test and post-test applications no statistically significant differences were found between the California critical thinking inclination scale and Problem Solving Inventory mean scores. Conclusions: In the study, the simulation method was found not to be superior in improving the problem solving and critical thinking abilities of students compared to the traditional education method. Performing similar studies with a larger sample size comparing different education methods is recommended.

Hemşirelik Öğrencilerinin Psikomotor Beceri Öğretiminde Kullanılan Düşük ve Yüksek Gerçekli Simülasyon Yönteminin Klinik Beceri Düzeyine Etkisine İlişkin Görüşleri

Amaç: Hemşirelik öğrencilerinin psikomotor beceri öğretiminde kullanılan düşük ve yüksek gerçekli simülasyon yönteminin klinik beceri düzeyine etkisine ilişkin görüşlerinin belirlenmesidir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Araştırma, nitel araştırma modellerinden fenomenolojik desende gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın yürütülebilmesi için etik kurul izni alınmış, Şubat-Haziran 2016 tarihleri arasında İzmir'de yer alan bir üniversitede gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma evrenini oluşturan 171 hemşirelik lisans birinci sınıf öğrencisi başarı düzeylerine göre randomize edilerek deney (n=31) ve kontrol (n=31) olmak üzere iki gruba ayrılmıştır. Kontrol grubunda yer alan öğrenciler periferal intravenöz kateterizasyon (PIVK) uygulama ve intravenöz (IV) sıvı tedavi komplikasyonlarını tanılama becerisine ilişkin uygulamalarını düşük gerçekli simülasyon ile deney grubu öğrencileri ise yüksek gerçekli simülasyon ile gerçekleştirmiştir. Öğrencilerin gerçek hastada PIVK uygulama ve IV sıvı tedavi komplikasyonunu tanılamalarının ardından simülasyon uygulamalarının klinik beceri düzeylerine etkisine yönelik öğrencilerin görüşleri yazılı olarak alınmıştır. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde sayı, yüzde, ortalama ile standart sapma, Ki Kare testi ve tematik analiz yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Gerçek hastada PIVK becerisini gerçekleştiren öğrencilerin görüşlerine ilişkin deney grubunda (n=23) altı, kontrol grubunda (n=22) beş tema belirlenmiştir. Gerçek hastada IV sıvı tedavi komplikasyonunu tanılamaya yönelik öğrenci görüşlerine ilişkin deney (n=31) ve kontrol (n=31) grubunda iki tema belirlenmiştir. Öğrenci görüşleri doğrultusunda, yüksek gerçekli simülasyon kullanımının PIVK becerisine yönelik öğrenmeye olumlu etkisinin olduğu, hasta ile iletişimi kolaylaştırdığı, hastayı bütüncül olarak değerlendirmeyi sağladığı, IV sıvı tedavi komplikasyonlarını tanılamaya yönelik klinik özgüveni artırdığı, bilgide kalıcılık sağladığı ve karar verme becerisini artırdığı belirlenmiştir. Sonuç: Yüksek ve düşük gerçeklikli simülasyon yöntemi ile eğitim alan öğrencilerin görüşleri karşılaştırıldığında, klinik beceri düzeyine yüksek gerçekli simülasyonun daha olumlu etkileri olduğu saptanmıştır.

Multidisciplinary optimization of an NLF forward swept wing in combination with aeroelastic tailoring using CFRP

This article introduces a process chain for commercial aircraft wing multidisciplinary optimization (MDO) based on high fidelity simulation methods. The architecture of this process chain enables two of the most promising future technologies in commercial aircraft design in the context of MDO. These technologies are natural laminar flow (NLF) and aeroelastic tailoring using carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). With this new approach the application of MDO to a NLF forward swept composite wing will be possible. The main feature of the process chain is the hierarchical decomposition of the optimization problem into two levels. On the highest level the wing planform including twist and airfoil thickness distributions as well as the orthotropy direction of the composite structure will be optimized. The lower optimization level includes the wing box sizing for essential load cases considering the static aeroelastic deformations. Additionally, the airfoil shape adaptation based on sectional pressure distribution optimization and inverse design follows for the design point. Thereby, the objective function of the sectional pressure distribution optimization is the minimization of drag to find the best trade-off between profile drag considering NLF and transonic wave drag. First optimization results of the multidisciplinary process chain are presented for a forward swept wing aircraft configuration. At this stage, airfoil shape optimization has not been included yet. Instead, natural laminar flow is considered by prescribing laminar-turbulent transition locations.

Aeroelastic tailoring of an NLF forward swept wing

This article introduces the application of a multidisciplinary analysis process chain based on high-fidelity simulation methods for the aeroelastic tailoring of an natural laminar flow (NLF) forward swept wing. With this approach the interactions between aerodynamics, loads and structural sizing are considered in the wing analysis. The resulting process enables an integrated aerostructural wing design including aeroelastic tailoring using carbon fiber reinforced plastics. The main feature of the process chain is the hierarchical decomposition of the problem into two levels. On the highest level, the orthotropy direction of the composite structure will be analyzed. The lower level includes the wing box sizing for essential load cases considering the static aeroelastic deformations. Thereby, the wing box sizing can be performed with a given ply share of the laminate or a ply share optimization. Additionally, the airfoil shapes are transferred from a given NLF wing design. The natural laminar flow is considered by prescribing laminar–turbulent transition locations. The process chain evaluates the wing mass, the lift-to-drag ratio under cruise flight conditions and the corresponding design mission fuel consumption. Results of aerostructural wing design studies and optimizations are presented for an NLF forward swept wing aircraft configuration. The aerostructural wing optimization with 3 orthotropy angles as design parameters shows a wing mass reduction in the order of 8% and a design mission fuel consumption reduction in the order of 4% in comparison to the aeroelastic tailored wing design of the reference aircraft.

A high-fidelity three-dimensional simulation method for evaluating passenger flow organization and facility layout at metro stations

This research proposes a high-fidelity simulation method that integrates the strengths of microscopic pedestrian modeling and three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) for the evaluation of passenger flow organization and facility layout at metro stations. Passenger flow movements, with detailed spatial–temporal information of each agent, are modeled using agent-based micro-simulation. Simulation results are then imported into a 3D VR environment for the assessment of passenger flow organization and its interactions with facility layout. Focusing on the technical implementation of the method, we discuss in detail (1) finely resolved pedestrian simulation using AnyLogic; (2) bookkeeping of spatial positions of agents at the specific temporal intervals in XML format; and (3) interactive photo-realistic 3D visualization of pedestrian movements using UC-win/Road through its micro-simulation player plug-in, OpenMicroSim. Successfully applied to case studies of three major metro stations in Shenzhen China, this methodology is demonstrated to be capable of evaluating passenger flow organization through visual and quantitative analyses for improving facility layout design.